weisgrau's reviews

  • Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR AF-S Nikkor

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Compact, good performance, good build, vibration reduction
    Optical Contrast is good but not great

    The lens performs well enough for professional use, at least my clients don't object to images from it. Using it on a Nikon D200 its 36 to 180mm effective focal length is great for street photography. The VR makes it possible to shoot indoors under available light in spite of the aperture limitations. When I travel I carry the 12-24mm Nikkor with me for wide angle. Together the two lenses cover about anything you will want to shoot. For those who feel 180mm is not long enough let me remind you of Robert Capa's words: "if the picture is not good enough, you were not close enough."

    reviewed December 5th, 2006 (purchased for $545)
  • Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF DX AF-S Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Solves the APS sensor ratio problem with wide angle lenses
    None

    This lens is a must for anyone who needs wide angle with a Nikon Digital SLR. It is relatively free of defects of all kinds that one usually finds in wide angle zoom lenses. It is not too heavy; is built well, and most importantly deliver excellent images. I don't leave home without it. I particularly like to team it up with my 24-120 VR lens to get an effective and continuous focal length range between the two of 18mm through 180mm. It is an essential tool if you do scenics, architecture, travel, or other wide angle required photography.

    reviewed December 5th, 2006 (purchased for $880)
  • Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF DX AF-S Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    A close to a perfect performer that you will ever get at its price
    None

    I can't say enough good things about this lens, and I have more Nikon lenses than I have fingers. Its equiv. focal length of 27 to 105mm make it a great choice when you are only going to be carrying one lens. Its optical performance is superb and it is built well enough that it can take a few bangs and bumps - I have put mine to that test accidently while mountain hiking. It is on my D200 all the time because if I want to grab a camera and be able to cover almost anything with success and no lens changes, this lens is my choice.

    reviewed December 5th, 2006 (purchased for $225)
  • Nikon 20mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Small, Sharp, Good Contrast
    None on Digital SLR

    This lens on a Nikon DSLR approximates a 30mm lens on a 35mm film camera. The medium wide angle coverage of this lens on a DSLR makes it a great all purpose lens. Couple it with a 50mm and you have a 35mm equivalent of a 30mm and a 75mm. That is as close to ideal for documentary photography and photojournalism as on can get for working in close.

    reviewed December 7th, 2006 (purchased for $275)
  • Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR AF-S Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Lightweight, good build quality, very good optical quality, VR is great
    None of any significance

    I own the 70-210 f4.0 and 70-200 f2.8 VR Nikkors. I bought this lens because the 70-210 f4.0 is old glass and does not compare to today's ED glass element lenses and the 70-200 f2.8 is big and heavy, and te f2.8 is not always needed.

    The 70-300 VR focuses fast, has good optical contrast, is plenty sharp in spite of the rumors circulating to the contrary. It's low profile makes it a natural for shooting less obtrusively. Teamed up with the 18-70 it provides focal length coverage that handles almost ever need of a street or travel photographer. I travel a lot, and the less I have to carry on board the more likely I am to be able to get ot aboard.

    I am extremely happy with the lens and very glad i bought it.

    reviewed December 19th, 2006 (purchased for $540)